This page covers 3 recalls, 234 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Kia Optima.
25–42 mpg combined
5.6–9.4 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2018 Optima picture by a wide margin. The most common theme across reports is excessive oil consumption, owners describe adding oil frequently between changes, with some reporting consumption as severe as a quart every few hundred miles. No external leaks are typically found, pointing to internal burning. Many of these same owners report accompanying symptoms: engine misfires, rough running, jerking on acceleration, and loss of power. A check engine code related to knock sensor detection comes up in several reports, and a number of owners describe engines that eventually fail or become undrivable at higher mileages. The electrical system draws a smaller but notable share of complaints, with owners describing unexpected shutdowns and stalling that some trace to repeated battery failure. Steering complaints round out the top three at a lower volume, though the engine oil consumption pattern is clearly the defining issue owners report for this model year.
234
Total Complaints
9
Crash-Related
10
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Kia Optima has 3 recalls, with the most serious affecting hybrid models: prematurely worn engine connecting rod bearings that can damage the engine and lead to a fire or sudden stall.
Both of the more serious recalls apply only to hybrid variants. A separate hybrid-specific concern involves a voltage protection device that can trigger unexpectedly while the car is running on electric power, cutting power to the drivetrain without warning. On the hardware side, the trunk latch base can crack and prevent the trunk from being opened from the inside, which means a person inside the trunk compartment could become trapped.
At a glance
What can fail
The trunk latch base can crack, which may prevent you from opening the trunk from inside the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, potentially causing engine damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and replace it if bearing damage is found. A software update with a Knock Sensor Detection System will also be installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Voltage Protection Device that safeguards the high voltage battery may activate on its own without reason.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two new Battery Management Systems with Overvoltage Protection Devices.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
